Can Running Make Breasts Sag

Q&A: Can Running Cause Boobs to Sag Over Time?

And if so, is there anything you can do to stop the droop?

Q&A: Can Running Cause Boobs to Sag Over Time?And if so, is there anything you can do to stop the droop?

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The question:Running creates a lot of up-and-down movement for the ladies—so will it exacerbate sagging if you do it regularly?

The expert: Alyssa Dweck, an OB-GYN in Mt. Kisco, New York, and coauthor of V Is for Vagina

The answer: There's limited research right now on this topic, but you really might be able to blame your evening run for boob droopage: "High -impact activity like running causes lots of repetitive up-and-down and side-to-side movement of your breasts, and all that figure eight-shaped movement appears to be one of many factors that can lead to sagging," says Dweck.

Yikes. But before you toss out your jogging kicks and sign up for yoga (or sideline yourself to the walking lane at the track for good), hear us out: "Sag happens to all breasts—it's natural for the collagen that keeps breasts firm to stretch out, thanks to a combination of factors such as gravity, time, pregnancy, weight gain or weight loss, and even smoking, which weakens collagen," says Dweck. "Genetics play a role too; some women simply have perkier breasts because they have stronger collagen. It's impossible to know how much of a role running plays when it comes to promoting droop because it's difficult to control for factors that have to do with genetics and physiology."

Dweck's advice: Definitely keep running; the health benefits far outweigh the possibility of a little extra breast stretchiness. "Wearing the right kind of sports bra can help—you want one that has separate cups to limit breast movement so they don't swing up and down and to the sides so much," she says. "A sports bra that simply compresses your boobs won't do that as well." Make sure you get plenty of vitamin C, too, since it helps your body make collagen and boosts elasticity. To get more, you might want to consume some extra citrus fruits and leafy green veggies.